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Philip David Ochs (pronounced /ˈoʊks/) (December 19, 1940 – April 9, 1976) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and haunting voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and released eight albums in his lifetime.

Ochs performed at many political events, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events over the course of his career, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City’s Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Politically, Ochs described himself as a “left social democrat” who became an “early revolutionary” after the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago led to a police riot, which had a profound effect on his state of mind.

After years of prolific writing in the 1960s, Ochs’s mental stability declined in the 1970s. He eventually succumbed to a number of problems including alcoholism, and took his own life in 1976.

Listen to Phil Ochs, Jackson Browne.. The world stays the same, but very brave people HAVE made a difference! The Dr. Rev. M. L. King, inspired by God and M. Gandhi, with help from many brave people used non-violent resistance to shame our government into making changes that were long overdue! I know it wasn't perfect, but this "movement" caused children to be taught in the same schools, so they could no longer favor white schools with more tax money. People died - but refused to kill - so that others were no longer bullied into not voting. They were also shamed into changing the voting age and abolishing the draft. A united refusal to co-operate with evil WORKS. I thank God for this music that reminds us that our liberty is a RIGHT, not a privilege. We have every right to be angry about the way our constitution is being ignored, even changed, so the rich can get richer still. What happened to " [all] we have to fear is fear itself."? Or "Christian" meaning to behave like Jesus...